Abbot: Allowed into shrines by Muslims and Catholics but persecuted at home

Metropolitan Pavel at the last service in the Refectory Church. Photo: a screenshot of the broadcast

Metropolitan Pavel, the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, commented on the situation around the expulsion of the UOC by the authorities from the Upper Lavra during the last service in the Refectory Church. The service was broadcast by “1Kozaktv”.

"Today we’re leaving the territory of the Upper Lavra. We’re leaving the temples that we have prayed in at the behest of willful lords. Muslims have always allowed us to pray at St. Nicholas’s tomb. Catholics allow us to pray at the holy apostles' tomb, at St. Nicholas's relics. But our people, who think they are the navel of the world, are driving us from our shrines in our land," said the Lavra’s abbot.

He warned the faithful that the SBU and police may organize provocations, but people should not pay attention to them.

According to a statement by the Legal Department, the UOC has every reason to serve in the Upper Lavra in 2023.

Hollywood Sees Revival of Faith-Based Films

Hollywood is experiencing a resurgence of faith-based films and series, blending spiritual themes with mainstream appeal and strong box-office potential.

Mother Siluana’s New Book Offers Path to Healing and Joy

Mother Siluana’s new book guides readers from spiritual despair to authentic living through prayer, forgiveness, and connection with God.

Uncut Mountain Press Announces Release of 'The True Story of the Romanov Family'

Uncut Mountain Press is releasing a richly illustrated, large-format book by Romania’s Diaconeşti Monastery that retells the true story of the martyred Romanov family as a witness to faith, family, and dignity.

Abp. Daniel Visits Illinois Parish for Feast of St. Nicholas

Abp. Daniel marked the feast of St. Nicholas with an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas of Myra Church in McHenry, celebrating the Divine Liturgy and joining parishioners—especially children—for a festive, joy-filled gathering.

Romanian Orthodox Metropolis Warns of Fake Website Impersonating Church Hierarchs

The Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas warned that a fraudulent website is impersonating Orthodox hierarchs to falsely claim ecclesiastical legitimacy and urged the faithful to rely only on recognized Church sources.

EXCLUSIVE: Ukrainian Lobbyist in Leaked Call: Be Careful What Images You Use – A Lot of UOC Churches Were Destroyed by Ukraine’s Armed Forces

In a recording leaked to UOJ-USA, the associate director of public engagement for Razom for Ukraine issued caution to fellow lobbyists, saying the AFU bombs UOC churches and uses them as staging areas.